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So you got a puppy. Congratulations (insert a meme of a dancing Snoopy here)! If this is your first dog, there’s quite a few things you need to learn as your furry bundle of joy grows. One of these changes is the teething process. Here are a few things you need to know about puppy teeth:
When Does a Puppy’s Teeth Start to Come In?
Just like humans, puppies are born without teeth. Puppy teeth, also known as milk teeth, start coming in around 3 to 4 weeks of age. If you’re buying from a breeder, your puppy will still be with his or her mother during the nursing process.
By weeks 5 or 6, all of your pup’s milk teeth should have come in. Dogs have 28 baby teeth. This differs from humans, who have about 20 baby teeth. The teething process, though, is just as uncomfortable for pups as it is for human babies. You’ll most likely start seeing your puppy gnawing things as a way to alleviate the pain.
It’s important to note that your puppy’s milk teeth are very sharp since he or she doesn’t have molars yet, so be careful not to get nicked when playing or roughhousing.
When Does a Puppy’s Teeth Start to Fall Out?
As your pup grows, his or her jaw grows, too. This causes the milk teeth to fall out and the adult teeth to grow behind them quickly after. This process usually begins around the 3- to 4-month mark when the incisors start to fall out. For your new pup, try our Super Smarty Hearties training treats — they’re soft and low calorie so even if you pup is teething they can still be rewarded for learning to sit! Moving on to canines – or the fangs – typically fall out around 4 to 6 months of age and the premolars fall out around 4 to 7 months of age. Finally, the molars come in approximately 5 to 7 months of age. By the time your pooch is 7 or 8 months old, he or she should have all 42 permanent teeth – 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars and 10 molars.
Shop Treats: Super Smarty Hearties
Dental Care Tips for Puppies
While a puppy’s milk teeth don’t last long enough to have any serious problems, it’s beneficial to get your pup into a dental hygiene regimen. Gently scrub your pup’s teeth with a soft cloth or puppy toothbrush. Don’t use toothpaste made for humans. Always use toothpaste that’s specialized for dogs.
One thing you should never do during the teething period is pull out any teeth, no matter how loose they may be. This is because dogs have long roots, and pulling a loose tooth could cause them to break, leading to a potential bacterial infection. It’s best to just let them fall out naturally.
Do Puppies Swallow Their Baby Teeth?
You probably won’t find many of your pup’s loose teeth because, more often than not, they swallow them. Don’t fret about seeing the vet, though. Their teeth are so small that they’ll pass right through.
